Our Work

Law school-based practical legal education programs—commonly referred to as “Street Law” programs—are innovative programs in which law students teach non lawyers about law, the legal system, and the fundamental principles of democracy. Law students trained in interactive teaching pedagogy teach high school students, disadvantaged populations, and others the basic information, skills, and attitudes they need to thrive as active members of their society.

For example, in a Street Law class focused on contract law, the law student instructors explain in plain language the basics of a contract—what it is, what it is used for, and who enforces it—to build practical knowledge of the topic. Then, the participants engage in a simulated contract negotiation to put that knowledge into practice, develop their communication and advocacy skills, and foster an appreciation for cooperation and finding common ground.

Through this blending of legal content and interactive teaching strategies, program participants build their understanding of practical legal matters and develop the skills and attitudes they need to effectively engage in the democratic processes of their communities. The programs also offer positive outlets for young people to serve their communities and learn to manage conflict in socially acceptable ways, as well as a foundation for strong partnerships with other community and school-based citizenship programs. The programs benefit law students as well. Through preparing lessons and teaching, law students not only thoroughly learn the legal content but also develop and practice the fundamental lawyering skill of explaining complex legal concepts in language understandable to lay audiences.

This teacher professional development institute brings a select group of high school social studies teachers to Washington, DC, for an immersive six days of educational activities related to teaching about the U.S. Supreme Court.

Our New Perspectives deliberation trainings prepare secondary teachers from across content areas to master the use of deliberative discussion in their classrooms in order to build positive relationships across differences.

Street Law works directly with schools and school districts to design custom professional development for middle and high school social studies teachers to improve their subject-area knowledge and help them use effective teaching strategies.

Street Law’s Legal Diversity Pipeline Programs partner law firms and corporate legal departments with nearby, diverse high school classes. Through classroom visits and a field trip to the law firm or legal department, volunteers teach lessons and lead activities designed to increase students' knowledge and interest in the law and legal careers.

This Pipeline Program can serve as one component of comprehensive diversity efforts led by companies and law firms.

Street Law partners with organizations and agencies to empower society's most vulnerable people with the legal knowledge and civic skills needed to succeed as adults, combat inequality, and participate effectively in their communities.

High school-level Street Law courses strive to empower young people to be active, engaged citizens by equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to successfully participate and create change in their communities. The following pages are intended to support teachers wishing to start a new high school law course or strengthen an existing one.

During the 2018-19 Term, Street Law will select the most classroom-relevant, student-friendly cases argued at the U.S. Supreme Court. We provide support for you to conduct moot courts of each, including a case summary and moot court instructions.

Mooting a current SCOTUS case can provide a great tie-in to your curriculum, while highlighting current, newsworthy events.

Street Law has worked with partners on six continents to develop a series of 14 lessons to teach young people about the basic elements of rule of law using its signature, interactive, skill-building methodology.

Street Law is currently designing a roll-out of this program with civil society partners around the globe.